20.05.2026 22:40
During the EFES-2026 Joint Exercise, which has been successfully ongoing in İzmir since April 11, domestically produced T129 ATAK helicopters took the stage and destroyed designated targets with pinpoint accuracy using national laser-guided CİRİT missiles. The performance of the 2,720-horsepower giant attack helicopters, developed by TAI (Turkish Aerospace Industries) to withstand the most challenging climatic conditions, once again demonstrated the strength the Turkish Armed Forces have achieved in the air.
The military activities carried out by the Turkish Armed Forces (TAF) to maintain national security at the highest level and to be prepared at all times against possible emergencies and global threats continue unabated.
BREATHTAKING IMAGES
In this context, the EFES-2026 Exercise, launched on April 11 in Izmir and one of Turkey's largest combined and joint military organizations, continues with breathtaking images from the field. The night activities within the scope of the distinguished observer day of the EFES-2026 Exercise began at the Doganbey Exercise Area in the Seferihisar district of Izmir. In the massive exercise involving numerous military personnel, armored land vehicles, and naval elements, the dominance of the sky belonged to domestic attack helicopters.
PRECISE STRIKE WITH CIRIT MISSILES: DIRECT HIT
The latest images shared from the firing phases of the exercise, successfully conducted under the command and control of the Aegean Army Command, once again revealed the power achieved by the Turkish defense industry. The domestically produced T129 ATAK attack helicopters, launching operations against designated enemy lines as per the scenario, fired the laser-guided CIRIT missiles, also produced entirely with domestic and national means. The missiles, which passed challenging coordination tests, completely destroyed their targets with direct hits, earning full marks from the observers.
THE FEARLESS POWER OF RUGGED TERRAINS
The T129 ATAK Helicopter, developed by Turkish Aerospace Industries (TUSAS) to be the most effective attack asset in the TAF inventory, has an aerodynamic structure capable of delivering maximum performance even in the harshest geographical and climatic conditions, such as high altitude and extreme temperatures. This lethal air vehicle, which can generate a total of 2,720 horsepower thanks to its two powerful engines, can reach a maximum cruising speed of 269 kilometers per hour. The ATAK, whose maneuverability is impressive compared to its global counterparts, stands out with its ability to remain airborne and carry out missions uninterrupted for a full 3 hours at an altitude of 20,000 feet.
THE PILOT'S GAZE IS ENOUGH TO DESTROY THE TARGET
The helicopter, which draws attention with its advanced technological infrastructure, provides operational ease thanks to modern avionics systems and a helmet-integrated command unit (AVCI) used by pilots. With this system, the pilot can instantly detect and lock onto targets simply by turning his head and looking in their direction. Equipped with the long-range anti-tank missile UMTAS, laser-guided CIRIT missiles, and a 20 mm rotary cannon system located in the nose for close engagements, the T129 ATAK continues to elevate the deterrent power of the TAF to the highest level in the field and beyond borders.
In the EFES-2026 Exercise, where land, air, and naval elements moved in perfect coordination, the dazzling performance exhibited by the ATAK helicopters once again proved to the world the effectiveness of Turkey's close air support and helicopter fleet capacity in the field.
MINISTER GULER ALSO FOLLOWED
Meanwhile, Minister of National Defense Yasar Guler followed the exercise together with guest ministers and commanders.